No one knows exactly what causes autism, though there are a number of theories floating around. These include a disruption in the brain's white matter. Flax oil, a dietary supplement, is gaining attention as a possible treatment for some types of autism based on its high omega-3 content. However, flax oil should not be used without the guidance of your child's pediatrician.
What is Autism?
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, autism affects around 0.6 percent of children. The disorder is more common in boys, and symptoms range from mild to severe. Most forms of autism affect the way children interact both with others and their environment. Autistic children are less likely to make eye contact, to play with peers and to smile, and often gravitate toward repetitive movements and speech. In addition, children with autism are more likely to have other related disorders, including seizures, learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders.
Autism and White Matter
There is no known cause of autism, though it is thought to be a combination of both genetic and environmental factors. The brains of kids with autism do tend to look different, however. The NINDS reports that some kids with autism have brain irregularities, and for others, the chemicals that send brain signals work differently. There is also the white matter factor: White matter is the insulation of the nerve cell fibers, and in some kids with autism, the white matter areas are larger than those in children without the disorder. This may explain some autism symptoms, particularly the deficits that may result from the halves of the brain not communicating adequately. This research is preliminary and is still under way.
Flax Oil and Omega-3s
Omega-3s are gaining attention as the wonder drug for many conditions, and autism is on the list. Omega-3s are essential fatty acids the body needs but cannot make by itself. There are many types of omega-3s. You commonly hear about EPA and DHA, both found in fish, and ALA, which comes from plant sources. In a 2009 literature review featured in the "Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders," the evidence for omega-3s' impact on autism symptoms is variable. In some cases, especially those related to a dietary deficiency, the essential fatty acids did improve symptoms. In others, the changes were not significant. Most studies also reviewed EPA and DHA. Flax oil is high in ALA, which breaks down into EPA and DHA once processed by the body.
Putting it All Together
The bottom line: Flax oil cannot cure autism, and may or may not affect its symptoms. It certainly doesn't change the makeup of the brain, though the brain does require its essential fatty acids to function optimally. If you are interested in trying flax oil for your child with autism, talk to his pediatrician first. In the absence of other medical conditions such as diabetes or schizophrenia, small amounts of flax oil are generally safe for children older than 2. However, even in children with omega-3 deficiencies, flax oil is not a substitute for their regular medications.
References
- Autism Speaks: Cure Autism Now Science Summary: The White Matter Story
- "Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders"; Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Autistic Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review; Stephen Bent, Kiah Bertoglio, and Robert L. Hendren; 2009 August; 39(8)
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Autism Fact Sheet; September 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Flaxseed; October 2008
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